2014 Range Rover Sport First Look

Putting the "Sport" Back in Range Rover Sport

Cars are like people in many ways. They have moods, personalities, faces, and sometimes even weight problems. The Range Rover Sport was one of those vehicles that needed to lose some weight. We say was because the 2014 Range Rover Sport that just made its debut at the New York International Auto Show with fresh bodywork and new powertrains has shed some 800 pounds.

Most of the 2014 Range Rover Sport's weight loss is thanks to the extensive use of aluminum. The weight-saving material is used in its doors, suspension, engines, and unibody platform, which it shares with the 2013 Range Rover. That's right, the LR4 platform is gone -- the Sport is now a true Range Rover.

With the new chassis come new dimensions. Though the body is stretched a modest 2.5 inches, the new Range Rover Sport's wheelbase grows a whopping 7.0 inches. Filling out the extra space is aggressive new bodywork with styling cues from both the Range Rover and the Evoque. Like the Range Rover, the Sport loses its upright appearance in favor of a rakish front fascia, a two-bar grille, LED headlights, and an aggressive lower valence complete with a skidplate that (forgive me) evokes the Evoque. Though the traditional Range Rover profile is still there, the new Sport gets muscular flared wheel arches, a rounded rear end, LED taillamps, and a rear skidplate flanked by exhaust pipes.Utilizing those exhaust pipes are two supercharged engines: the carryover 5.0-liter, 510-hp and 461 lb-ft supercharged V-8 and the new 3.0-liter supercharged V-6 the Range Rover Sport shares with the Jaguar XJ. Also shared with Jag is the new ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic that backs both powerplants. The new V-6, which makes 340 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, replaces the old naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V-8. Though it makes 35 fewer horsepower than the old V-8, the weight loss more than makes up for it. Land Rover expects the new V-6 to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 6.9 seconds, 0.3 seconds faster than the old base V-8. Similarly, Land Rover expects the carryover supercharged V-8 to be quicker, accelerating from 0-60 mph in 5 seconds flat - almost a second faster than before. Top speed for V-8 models, which also get six-piston Brembo brakes up front, is an electronically limited 155 mph.

Land Rover promises that the Range Rover Sport will be much more agile, becoming a true contender to the Porsche Cayenne and BMW X5 M. The fully independent adjustable air suspension fitted on the 2014 will certainly help. Additionally, V-8 models will have a Dynamic mode that firms up the ride, increases steering responsiveness, and reduces body lean. As is the case on most new models, steering is electrically assisted.

As before, the Sport comes standard with full-time four-wheel drive, but there are now two available systems. The standard system uses a single-speed transfer case with a Torsen center differential. Default torque split is 42/58 percent front/rear, with the capability of transferring up to 62 percent of the power to the front and 78 percent of the power to the rear. Those that want to tackle challenging off-road trails can opt for a beefier system with a two-speed transfer case. This system splits the power 50/50 front/rear, and is able to send 100 percent of the power to either axle. An optional active rear locking differential further boosts off-road capability.

Along with the new drivetrains, the Range Rover Sport gets the new Terrain Response 2 system. Working with Terrain Response 2 is the updated air suspension, which now includes two off-road height settings: a 1.4-inch lift that can be used at speeds up to 50 mph, and a 2.6-inch lift, which gives the Sport 11.2 inches of ground clearance. The suspension is capable of raising an additional 1.4 inches if on-board sensors determine it's necessary. Approach, departure, and breakover angles have improved to 33.0, 31.0, and 27.0 degrees. For those who need to cross the Rubicon on the way to the mall, wading depth has improved to 33.5 inches thanks to the new hood-mounted air intakes.With the move to the new platform comes a completely new interior. Land Rover sought to make the interior driver-centric with a less upright seating position more similar to the Evoque's than the Range Rover's. The new Sport is otherwise mostly identical to the Range Rover, but with a few more sporting elements, including a smaller, thicker steering wheel, a vertical gear shifter, and sport seats.

Speaking of seats, the new Range Rover Sport will seat seven. Kind of. Land Rover is billing the Range Rover Sport's seating layout as "5+2," which sounds like a pretty accurate description. We don't have exact specs, but Land Rover says the 2 seat is most suitable for small children and teenagers -- and based on the pictures, we agree. It splits 50/50 and power-folds flat into the cargo floor when not in use. Thanks to the stretch in wheelbase, leg and knee room for those in the second row bench is up.

As expected in a new Range Rover, equipment such as lane departure warning, traffic sign recognition, park assist and active cruise control will be available. New tech including Flank Guard (which helps avoid scrapes in tight places) and Park Exit will also be offered.The new 2014 Range Rover Sport will hit dealers later this year, with prices ranging from $63,495 for SE V-6 models to $93,295 for the supercharged V-8 Range Rover Sport Autobiography. After its successful diet and the addition of a stout powertrain, the Range Rover Sport has officially put BMW and Porsche in its crosshairs.